Basics: In 2015, Israel was awarded its largest Global Grant from Rotary International to utilize principles of water conservation as a platform for promoting cross-culture exchange amongst 10 schools of diverse ethnic and religious backgrounds, a program entitled Rotary Hands Across Waters (RHAW).
Initiated by the Rotary Club of Haifa, Israel and the Rotary Club of Coral Springs-Parkland, FL, RHAW is a growing partnership of over 25 leading public, private, and NGO organizations, including Technion University, Ministries of Education and Economy, local water authorities, and NASA’s GLOBE Program.
RHAW is transforming the next generation of water leaders to collectively address our most pressing environmental issues.
The students’ shared experience of water and environmental stewardship has shown measurable impacts towards breaking down communication barriers and mistrust amongst disparate youth. RHAW’s joint student activities are catalyzing cross-cultural exchange amongst the schools, while leading to complementary sustainability projects and an adoption of a culture of conservation.
As a testament to the students’ teamwork and innovative science programs, three collaborating schools were awarded 1st prize at this year’s national GLOBE competition.
Details: Dr. Amnon Shefi, Founder of Hi-Teach, and his team implemented the program’s activities through the highly regarded Youth Water & Knowledge Program. Activities to promote cross-cultural exchange during RHAW’s Phase I included:
- Six joint teacher training sessions;
- Joint student field trips to Lod’s Agro Farm, ancient wells and aqueducts, desalination plants, and water pumping and reclamation facilities, all providing students with a unique, practical understanding of agriculture, irrigation, and water reclamation;
- Fourteen student group science projects, focusing on all facets of water and sanitation issues and solutions;
- Joint science project by three diverse collaborating schools awarded the national 1st prize of the GLOBE program, run by NASA, the U.S. Embassy, and the local Ministry of Education;
- Hands-on participation and support by local Rotary Clubs and the District 2490 Water & Sanitation Committee, culminating in a graduation event hosted by the Ministry of Economy in Jerusalem with prizes awarded by the Rotary and participating partners.
Ongoing Commitment: The program’s success during its pilot phase has established credibility and strong ties with the schools and Ministry of Education.
In Phase II, RHAW seeks to expand the network to 30 total schools, allowing further inclusion of culturally diverse communities throughout Israel that have expressed interest in joining. With Phase II funding in place, the program will be able to provide an increased number of cross-cultural exchange activities between schools and employ additional full-time staff.
How it’s Possible: The Rotary Hands Across Waters program is funded by domestic and international Rotary clubs. Local partners include Hi-Teach’s Youth, Water & Knowledge Program and Rotary Club of Haifa, Israel.
To learn more, visit www.handsacrosswaters.org
